Trying to plan a fun fall date this season?  Well put on those athletic clothes, and tie your hiking shoes, extra tight, because this date will bring you to some of the Earth’s highest points.

Not too long ago, I decided that I wanted to go hiking with my boyfriend and let’s just say it was one of the best dates we have ever been on.  Not only did it test our relationship in more ways than we thought possible, but in the end, it brought us closer together.

This mini adventure started off at the bottom Bradbury Mountain in Freeport Maine.  Thankfully it was sunny and in the high 60s, so that was one less thing I could complain about during this hike.  To get from the bottom of the mountain to the top, there were seven different trails we could take.  Me, typically biting off more than I can chew, decided to hike on the hard trail. WARNING #1: IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN HIKING BEFORE DO NOT TAKE THE MOST DIFFICULT TRAIL.  At first, things seemed to be going perfectly until we hit the slight incline.  Honestly hiking is really challenging, especially when it is your first time.  So don’t be surprised when your legs start to burn after the first few steps.   Just toughen it out and hope you partner slows down for you, unlike mine.  Here is one of those relationship tests that you’ll have, watching your boyfriend/girlfriend keep a steady pace 100 yards in front of you, as you find yourself surrounded by a pack of daycare kids who are all struggling as much as you are.  The biggest difference between you and them is that they are seven years old and you are 17.  

Finally, you catch up with your date and stop to take a picture of the view from one of the mountains stops.  Things start going well again, and you’re ready to take on the rest of the mountain.  

Halfway up the mountain, I realize that I just downed a large Dunkin Donuts iced coffee and that there are no restrooms anywhere.  WARNING #2:  THERE ARE NO RESTROOMS LOCATED ON THIS MOUNTAIN, SO THOROUGHLY THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE CONSUMING BEFORE YOU START HIKING.  It honestly got to a point where I couldn’t even walk anymore, so I did the unthinkable.  

I tried hiding behind a few bushes, but every time I thought no one could see me I heard voices coming from somewhere nearby.  After about 5 minutes of waiting for complete silence, I was at ease.  This ease ended very quickly after I realized that this part of the mountain did not offer complimentary toilet paper. For a girl who has spent more time in shopping malls than playing outside, this is not an okay moment.  Hoping he would have tissues or maybe a napkin in his pocket I yelled for my boyfriend.  Nothing, instead he told me to use a leaf.  

At first, this seemed like the best idea in the entire world, but after about five minutes the slight allergic reaction appeared.  WARNING #3: KNOW YOUR LEAVES, AND STAY AWAY FROM ONES YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO.  

After yet another small break, we proceeded up the mountain.  As we got closer to the top, we decided to look for a shortcut, because we were climbing into our second hour of hiking when the entire hike was supposed to take less than an hour.  WARNING #4:  IF YOU DO NOT KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND, ALWAYS FOLLOW THE TRAILS.  

Another relationship aspect was being tested as we traveled in an entire circle with no luck of finding the trail.  At this moment, I realized that my boyfriend had no sense of direction.  WARNING #5:  NEVER QUESTION A MAN’S TERRIBLE SENSE OF DIRECTION.  In case anyone forgot, a man always knows where he is going, even when he is completely lost…crazy how that works.  

After arguing about which direction we should head next, I, yes me, found the trail.  I spread this feeling of pride for another 10 minutes until we reached the very top of the mountain.

Right, when we hit the peak of the mountain, we both instantly went speechless.  The view was beautiful.  The vast acres of land below us were filled with red and orange leaves, and off in the distance, there was a still lake that mirrored the blue clouds above it.  At this moment, nothing that happened within the previous two hours matter- not my burning legs, allergic reaction, or my rage of frustration.  I looked over at my boyfriend, who was also had his breath taken away, and even though no words were spoken, we mutually agreed this was hands-down one of our best dates.  Luckily the way down the mountain was much easier since we followed the trail and stayed away from unknown leaves.  

Since this mountain is conveniently located about 10 minutes away from downtown Freeport, we had many lunch options after our very long hike.

Even with all these things that went wrong during this date, I still recommend it to any couple who wants to try something adventurous.  I hope you and your special someone can make as many memories on this mountain as my boyfriend and I did.